Motorola Milestone gets 2.1 update – but not over the air?

This morning AndroidPolice pointed out to us that Motorola UK has announced an Android 2.1 update for its Motorola Milestone device, the GSM/UMTS version of the DROID sold by Verizon Wireless.

Full information on how to apply the update is available on the Motorola website, but it is worth pointing out that this operation can be completed by a Windows PC only. Traditionally, updates for Android have come over the air (there’s one waiting on my DROID Incredible at this very moment), so the fact that you need a Windows computer and a USB cable is really unusual.

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There are a number of fairly major enhancements that come with Android 2.1, but the most interesting new feature to me is that the user can configure his or her Milestone to offer 3, 5, 7, or even 9 homescreens – something that a standard Android 2.1 build doesn’t support. You can see the full list of updates after the jump.

Animated Wallpapers and multiple home screens

This additional wallpaper option enables you to select from a number of wallpapers that can move on your home screens. A selection of animated wallpapers are bundled with the software upgrade – further wallpapers are available on the Android Market.

The number of home screens you can have now also just got bigger – you can choose to have 3, 5, 7, or even 9 home screens – plenty of space for all your widgets and icons.

Facebook App and Widget

A Free Facebook App and Widget is included in this upgrade. The Application enables contact importation including Names, Profile Pics and Status into your phones’ contacts. The Widget can be place on one of your home screens to stream live updates from your Facebook account.

Sync with desktop: synchronizes starred items between Google Maps on your Android device and maps.google.com. Sync and personalized features require a user to be logged in to myGoogle account while on maps.google.com
Multi touch is now also enabled within Google Maps.

Other Enhancements

Help : A new Help Center app is included that provides mobile access to your user guide, video tours of key features, tips and tricks, and FAQs to help you get the most from your device.

Bluetooth support : support for Bluetooth headset multi function for initiating voice calls